George Gater “Mike” Hancock, Jr.

George Gater “Mike” Hancock, Jr., of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on December 28th, surrounded by his family.

Born on November 3rd, 1938, Mike grew up in Fayette City, PA. He was the only child of George and Jane Hancock.

Mike graduated from Bellmar High School before attending Penn State University, where he was a proud member and president of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Completing four years in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), Mike was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy Reserve upon his graduation in 1960. He went on to serve with distinction, spending two years on the USS Boston (CAG-1), ultimately promoting to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) as Boston conducted two trans-Atlantic crossings and supported the Bay of Pigs invasion in the Caribbean Sea.

After his military service, Mike embarked on a long and fulfilling career in education. He began teaching at Collingdale High School in Delaware County from 1962 to 1964, where he taught social studies and served as an assistant football coach. In 1964, Mike followed his head coach to West Chester Henderson High School, where he became a teacher of American Government, Economics, and U.S. History, while continuing to coach football. In 1969, he assumed the head football coach position, a role he held for 23 years. Under his leadership, the Warriors compiled an impressive record of 140-117-1 and earned a Ches-Mont League championship in 1982. Mike was inducted into the Ches-Mont Hall of Fame in 2009 for his significant contributions to the league's success.

Mike retired in June 2004 after 42 years in education, with 40 of those years spent at Henderson. In retirement, he remained active in his community, delivering Meals on Wheels throughout West Chester and leading the usher teams at Calvary Lutheran Church, where he and Barbara had been members for more than 50 years. He also cherished his time with his grandchildren.

Mike was known throughout Chester County for his leadership, both on and off the field. As a coach, he mentored generations of young men, teaching them not only how to play football, but how to do so with integrity and class. As an educator, Mike was a respected leader of Henderson’s social studies department, setting a strong example for new teachers in the district. His passion for education and his dedication to his students were evident in everything he did. He was also active in the teachers' union and was known for his fiery speeches during contract negotiations and strikes.

To the thousands of former students and athletes who knew him, Mike was a towering presence in their lives. To his friends, he was a lifelong Nittany Lion football fan, always looking forward to tailgating with his old fraternity brothers at Penn State games. To his family, Mike was a loving patriarch and a devoted partner to Barbara, the love of his life, for 58 years.  Mike and Barbara hosted a Golden Anniversary party in 2017 where they celebrated their true love story with family and friends.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara J. (Mitten) Hancock; his children, Katherine Hancock Loveland (Brian), Michael D. Hancock (Stacie), and twins Julie Hancock Ellis (Frank) & Robert M. Hancock (Jenny); and his eight grandchildren, Amy & Jake Loveland, Michael Jr & Paige Hancock, Zach & Jeremy Ellis, and Katelyn & Ethan Hancock.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 N. Church St. West Chester, PA 19380.  A second visitation will occur on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church 730 New St. West Chester, PA 19382 followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. 

Interment will be at Calvary Lutheran Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Chester County 404 Willowbrook Ln, West Chester, PA 19382.

He will be greatly missed, but his memory and spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.  For the Glory…